- Authors: Dederko V.N., Yabrov A.A., Postnikova O.V.
- Year of approval: 2005
- Category: grade
- Growth type: determinant
- Appointment: fresh consumption
- Ripening period: mid-season
- Growing conditions: for open ground
- Marketable fruit yield,%: 68%
- Bush size: undersized
- Bush height, cm: 50-55
Regular and rich harvest - it is thanks to these characteristics that the Em Champion variety has gained popularity among Russian summer residents. In 2005, this variety of tomato was entered into the State Register after a thorough check of the declared characteristics. Now it can be found in almost all regions of the country.
Description of the variety
Due to its resistance to all weather conditions, the variety is grown outdoors. The variety has a determinant type of growth. As a rule, the fruits are eaten in their natural form. Low-growing bushes grow on average 50-55 centimeters, but under certain conditions, their growth can reach 70 centimeters.
The green mass is medium in density, the leaves are medium in size, and the color is light green. Due to their compact size, tomatoes are often grown in flower pots, placed on balconies or verandas.
The first brush grows over 5-6 leaves, and the rest alternate every two leaves. One plant is formed from 4 to 5 bunches.
Note: Despite the recommendation to cultivate shrubs outdoors, in cold areas it is advisable to germinate shrubs in protective structures.
The main qualities of the fruit
Green tomatoes, reaching technical maturity, turn red-orange. The color is bright and uniform. The weight of one fruit varies from 126 to 134 grams on average. Experienced growers have ways to grow larger specimens, weighing about 400 grams. Sizes are medium. The fruit is shaped like a heart, slightly flattened. The skin is glossy and smooth, covering the firm and fleshy flesh. The color of the flesh is as bright as that of the skin.
Ways of using the fruit:
preparing the marinade;
canning;
salting in barrels;
ingredient for cuts and salads.
Ripe tomatoes cannot be stored and transported for a long time. They immediately lose their attractive appearance and taste. Therefore, the variety is not grown commercially.
Taste characteristics
The gastronomic quality is excellent. Sweet and sour flavors are harmoniously combined.
Ripening and fruiting
Tomato Em Champion is considered mid-season. From 100 to 110 days is necessary for the culture from the moment of germination to the collection of ripe vegetables.
Yield
High yield is the main advantage of this variety. From 6.8 to 10 kilograms of tomatoes are harvested from a square meter of a garden bed. The yield of marketable fruits (in percent) - 68%. Up to 7 kilograms of juicy vegetables can be harvested from one bush.
Note: After harvesting fully ripe tomatoes, it is advisable to eat them within the first two weeks.
The harvest is rich in the following components:
useful trace elements (magnesium, iodine, zinc and other substances);
vitamins of various groups;
natural antioxidants.
The timing of planting seedlings and planting in the ground
The exact sowing time is calculated taking into account the climate in the growing region. Within the borders of central Russia, work is carried out in the first half of March. In the south, seeds begin to germinate earlier. As soon as the seedlings reach the age of 60-65 days, they are transplanted into the beds. By that time, 5-6 full-fledged leaves should have formed on the sprout. The pick is performed after the appearance of 2-3 true leaves.
If the seedlings are already ready for transplanting, but weather conditions do not allow the work to be done, the planting must be insulated with a film or other covered. The material is attached to pre-installed arcs.
Growing tomato seedlings is an extremely important process, because it largely depends on whether the gardener will be able to harvest at all. All aspects must be taken into account, from seedbed preparation to planting in the ground.
Landing scheme
The maximum number of bushes per 1 m2 of land is 4 pieces. Some growers believe that it is most convenient to grow the variety through a two-line scheme, leaving a gap of 50 centimeters between the rows. Given the average foliage between plants, you can leave some free space - from 30 to 40 centimeters.
Growing and care
Short bushes need to be tied up due to the severity of the crop. The fruits tilt the branches towards the ground, which can cause them to break. Supports are harvested and installed in advance. Wooden pegs about 1 meter above the ground will do. One peg is placed near each plant. Trellises are also widespread. The branches are attached carefully. When forming large fruits, you need to install additional supports under the brushes.
The transplant should be carried out in the evening (at sunset, after sunset) or in cloudy weather. After the transfer of plants, they are watered abundantly. Warm and settled water is carefully poured under the root so as not to wet the leaves and shoots. A portion of ash and superphosphate is placed in each landing hole. As the young seedlings take root, a regular irrigation scheme is established. The beds are watered 2 times a week. In dry weather, the procedure is carried out 3-4 times.
After irrigation, the soil is loosened and covered with a layer of mulch. These procedures are necessary for the full development of seedlings and their further fruiting. And also it is an additional prevention of diseases.
During the season, Em Champion's tomatoes are fertilized three times. Organic substances and complex preparations are used, which contain a large amount of useful microelements. Folk recipes are also used. Tomatoes are fertilized with a solution of nettle and dandelion infused for 10 days. Before watering, it is dissolved in water in a ratio of 1x10.
Leaves growing up to the first brush are removed. And also the formation of bushes in 1 or 3 stems is carried out. Excessive vegetation prevents the fruit from getting enough sunlight and interferes with air exchange. Stepchildren are regularly removed, which take away the plant's strength and nutrients.
A plant needs different micronutrients at each stage of growth.All fertilizers can be divided into two groups: mineral and organic. Folk remedies are often used: iodine, yeast, bird droppings, eggshells.
It is important to observe the rate and period of feeding. This also applies to folk remedies and organic fertilizers.